No. 5 MEN'S SOCCER WIN 2018 OCAA CHAMPIONSHIP

TORONTO, Ont – No. 5 Humber men's soccer returned to the OCAA mountaintop Saturday, defeating rival No. 10 Sheridan in the conference championship final, 2-1. For nearly a decade, the Hawks have been the premier program in the province, capturing their seventh title since 2010.

Humber opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when striker Tomasz Balicki broke into the box to head home his second tally of the tournament.

In the 33rd minute, Sheridan midfielder Richard Ameyaw would strike back, evening the match on a drive from 20 yards out. At the break, the match was tied, 1-1.

After playing Sheridan to two draws during the regular season, the Hawks came out in the second half aggressively, looking to retake the lead.

In the 59th minute, Cody Green sent a brilliant cross into the box for a Nicholas Machado header, giving Humber the 2-1 lead. Machado's second goal of the tournament doubled his regular season total.

As Sheridan pressed in the dying minutes, Humber's defence was able to stymie every attack, holding on to win, 2-1.

Karmen Singh picked up his third win of the tournament in net for the Hawks.

Humber won its 12th OCAA championship, surpassing the Algonquin Thunder for the most all-time.  

All-Canadian Jaineil Hoilett was named the Championship MVP after recording two goals and three assists during the three-match tournament. Hoilett joins Mike Silva (2000, 2001) as the only Humber players to be named Championship MVP twice.

Cody Green and Federico Leal were named championship all-stars for the first time in their careers.

Game Notes

• Humber improves to 12-6 (.667) all-time in the OCAA championship match.
• The Hawks have won 23 OCAA medals, one shy of Seneca for most all-time.
• Humber improves to 3-0 against Sheridan in the championship final, 5-0 all-time in the OCAA postseason.
• Head coach Mike Aquino improves to 16-2 in postseason play.

What's Next?
No. 5 Humber will now head to the National Championship tournament, hosted by Holland College, Nov. 7-9.